Adventurer and archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is fourth while Gollum, as voiced by Andy Serkis in Lord of the Rings, is fifth, followed by Robert De Niro's iconic part as loner Travis Bickle in acclaimed Martin Scorsese movie Taxi Driver.

Sigourney Weaver's character, Ellen Ripley, in the Alien films was the only female in the top ten, taking seventh place.

Total Film editor Matt Mueller said: "Captain Jack Sparrow has totally caught everyone's imagination - he's the perfect combination of mischief, adventure and alcohol - being slightly drunk at all times." It is Jack's sense of fun that made fans put him way out in front of a traditional UK favourite, James Bond.

"We were very surprised that Harry Potter didn't rank higher in the poll, but a strong showing from bad guys like Hannibal Lecter and Gollum proves that the villains are far more interesting than the good guys."